Why Pope Francis Just Called Labor Unions "Prophets"

Here in America, at a celebration for a Christian evangelical group, Mike Pence praised “the free market” and “personal responsibility” — in short, capitalism -- as the basis for an ideal health care system. But early Wednesday across the Atlantic, Pope Francis delivered quite a contrary message.

In an audience at the Vatican with the Confederation of Trade Unions in Italy, the pope presented a more holistic — and some may say compassionate — alternative to Pence's vision of the free market. Calling work a form of “civil love,” the pope described his vision of harmonious cooperation, in which the individual participates in meaningful work as part of a shared whole.